New Developments in Judge Adams Beating Situation: Daughter Speaks Out and Investigation Begins

"Beaten Daughter of Texas Judge Williams Adams Speaks About Viral YouTube Video"

Aransas County, Texas

The daughter of Judge William Adams, Hillary, is speaking out about the viral YouTube video depicting her father brutally beating her. Hillary Adams says that until last week, only a couple of close friends knew about the savage beating she received seven years ago from the Texas judge who handles child abuse cases.

Aransas County Judge William Adams

Now the beating is on display to the world on YouTube thanks to a secret video she made, and her father, Aransas County Court-at-Law Judge William Adams, is the subject of a police investigation.

The clip was shot in 2004 and shows William Adams violently whipping his teenage daughter in the legs more than a dozen times and profanely berating the teenager for more than seven minutes.

Hillary Adams stressed that she did not post the video as revenge and does not want her father punished. Rather, she did it because she thinks it will force him to seek help, and because he has been harassing her and she thought posting the clip would make that stop.

Rockport Police, the Texas Rangers and the Aransas County District Attorney are investigating. Another judge will take over William Adams' caseload until the matter is fully investigated.

Police launched an investigation Wednesday after receiving calls from people who saw the video online.

"I was disgusted. I was appalled," said Legal Analyst Brian Wice.

Wice said the judge was elected to a four-year term, but could be forced to leave earlier.

"I think the judge should be as concerned if not more concerned with losing his bench if the Commission on Judicial Conduct believes that he no longer has the right, the privilege, the entitlement to be county court at law judge," Wice said.

By the way, Judge Adams has issued a response.

A "Do Not Re-Elect Judge William Adams Facebook page has been set-up. Check it out here.

 Also, the courthouse (after being bombarded with calls of concern), issued the following:

N E W S R E L E A S E

County of Aransas, 301 N. Live Oak, Rockport, Texas 78382

Aransas County Judge C. H. "Burt" Mills, Jr., 361-790-0100

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 2, 2011

ARANSAS COUNTY, TEXAS - Judge Burt Mills has today announced that Aransas County is aware of the video posted on YouTube regarding County Court-at-Law Judge William Adams, and the matter is now under review by the Police Department. Please refrain from communication with County offices or the Sheriff's Department on this matter until the review has been completed. Calls, emails, and faxes only create disruptions for other ongoing county business. The public's cooperation would be most appreciated.